Don’t I know you from somewhere? Peer Training announcement from Matt Mague

Ever get that feeling that we have something in common? Does it ever seem like at least one of us has been here before? Chances are, you’re right.

We can put this common knowledge and experience to good use somewhere. Maybe you know the secret to baking a cake with no tunnels. Perhaps you know all the best shortcuts around morning traffic. We live, we learn, and we pass the wisdom of our experience onto those who might benefit from it. We share the secrets of life with our peers.

What is a peer?

A peer can be almost anyone. You, me, your neighbor, your classmate, your coworker – anyone who has had similar enough experiences to our own that we can talk about those experiences in meaningful ways. Sometimes peers discuss joy, success, and how to make the most of our opportunities to be happy. Sometimes peers talk about pain, strife, and how to endure challenges when they find us. The key is sharing. Your lived experience can help others.

Peers in the recovery movement

Peers in the recovery movement are sharing their experience of having a mental health condition or substance use disorder and learning to live well with it. They have been trained to provide social-emotional support, advocacy, and wellness education to other people just like them who are earlier in the recovery process. Peers work in traditional mental healthcare settings like county mental health services, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities, but some work independently as consultants or coaches. Wherever and however they work, they usually start with a base certificate of training from an organization like ours.

CMWN’s peer training program

So why train with the Network? First, we are the only peer-operated, peer-led organization in Colorado that provides this training. This guarantees that you are learning from real peers about how to do peer work. Is there anyone better to learn from? Our program was developed with the support of the International Association of Peer Supporters (iNAPS) and exceeds the competency standards set by the Colorado Behavioral Health Council and the International Credentialing and Reciprocity Consortium. It’s robust, comprehensive, and includes plenty of opportunities for practice-based learning. Trainees will be ready to hit the ground running in whatever organization employs them.

Matt Mague

I've been with the Network as an intern since January 2017. I'm currently a senior at MSU Denver, in the Human Services program, and I'm training to work as a mental health counselor. I'm most passionate about eliminating stigma and empowering autonomy. In my free time, I enjoy bowling and golf.